Galway’s Young Wives Club plan reunion

Dear Editor,

Forty years ago (approx) an organisation was formed in Galway called "the young wives club". It was set up by Bridie Kenny and Dr Frances Fox, the first president and vice-president respectively. The first secretary was Anne Leonard and the treasurer was Dr Bernie Carr. A constitution was drawn up outlining the aims of the club, which were varied.

In general, the club promoted education and subjects relative to young wives and aspirant mothers. The first meeting was held in the Odeon Hotel but many other hotels were used in later years. Thirty members attended the first meeting. The club became so popular that membership numbers were limited very quickly.

The membership fee at the time was one pound and this increased to a guinea later on. A very affordable amount compared to now!

There were many charitable projects undertaken by the members. A most memorable one was the ‘Old Folks’ Party in Merlin Park hospital. There were almost 300 elderly patients being nursed in four different units. Now there are only two units being used by the elderly. Many businesses in town gave gifts of cakes, biscuits, sweets and believe it or not, tobacco and cigarettes. Guinness gave a barrel of Guinness and beer, and not alone that, but sent a man to serve it to all.

Many other projects were undertaken including the collection and distribution of toys for the needy children of Galway. Various other organisations often joined with us to help out in this charitable work. It is a pity today that all that help is not as freely available, as people have to work outside the home. We were some of very few who worked at that time.

After so many years we called a meeting recently and met a few friends and have planned a luncheon date for Wednesday March 21 in The Ardilaun. Please contact the following for further details:

Thank you,

Frances Quigley( 086-8909606: Bridie Kenny

(086-3606737); Mary Wade (087-2124798):

Mary Cunningham 087-4157483